The Master of the Swirl: A Talk with Angela Izzo on the Petzval Art Lens

In our latest conversation with photographer and long-time LomoAmigo Angela Izzo, we dive into her ongoing creative journey, focusing on her love for the Petzval Art Lens and how it’s transformed her photographic process. From its dreamy bokeh to its challenging manual focus, Angela talks about how this unique lens allows her to experiment with new techniques and achieve the ethereal effects that define her style. We also explore how the Petzval lens continues to push her creatively, helping her bring her visions to life in new ways.

Hi Angela, welcome back to Lomography Magazine! It’s been a while since we last caught up—what have you been up to?

Thanks so much for having me! I’ve been traveling extensively with my film cameras in hand, continuously building my brand and business. Over the past few years, I’ve participated in several solo and group exhibitions and have been hosting my own events. Now, it’s time to recharge and focus on creating new work, while still actively hosting events and being involved in the art scene.

How long have you been shooting with the Petzval lens, and which model do you work with?

I’ve been using the Petzval 85 Art Lens since 2018, and the more I use it, the more I master its unique qualities, and understand its potential. It has become a staple in my work, and I rarely go on a shoot without it.

What are some of the qualities of the Petzval lens that you feel complement your work?

Since I’m known as an experimentalist, creating dreamy and surreal imagery, this lens perfectly aligns with my vision. It naturally produces the in-camera effects I strive to achieve in my work, enhancing the ethereal quality that defines my style.

How has the Petzval lens inspired your photography or pushed you creatively?

Not only is this brass lens a showstopper, but it also challenges me to push its creative potential every time I use it. Over time, I’ve mastered how to position my subjects to achieve the fullest effect. With its hand-focus dial, precision is key, allowing me to control exactly where I want the focal point to be. I especially love incorporating it into my videos, as it creates unique and mesmerizing effects.

Can you walk us through your creative process when shooting with the Petzval lens? Do you approach composition and model direction differently?

When working with this lens, I carefully consider both my subject and surroundings. Its optical design allows for dynamic effects depending on movement, all while keeping the model in focus. With its manual focus dial, I really have precise control over what remains sharp, giving me the flexibility to shape each shot intentionally. I enjoy experimenting with creative ways to make every image different, using focus and depth to enhance the composition.

How do you feel the lens influences your creative vision, particularly when shooting portraits?

When shooting portraits or working in fashion, I have a clear vision of the style I want to create. If I’m aiming for a more abstract approach, I curate which film cameras to use and pair them with the Petzval to craft a variety of looks. By using multiple cameras, different film stocks, and this lens, I can push beyond the boundaries of a traditional portrait, and create something dynamic and unconventional.

Are you feeling creatively fulfilled lately?

Yes! As a highly creative person, I thrive on inspiration—it’s what makes me feel alive. With everything happening in the world right now, building community and creating meaningful work for the soul has never been more important. I stay busy as a full-time photographer and filmmaker, a path I’m incredibly grateful for. My life revolves around fulfilling the visions of artists, brands, and musicians through my art.

What advice would you give to photographers who are new to the Petzval lens and want to make the most of its unique and creative functions?

To get the most out of this lens, having a textured background is key. If the backdrop is flat or consists of a blank sky, you won’t fully capture its unique effect. Positioning your subject closer helps dial in the focus, allowing everything behind them to transform into that beautiful swirl. The lens also offers different adapter plates to adjust the intensity of the effect, but I always go all in for the full, dramatic look.

What advice would you give to photographers looking to experiment more with creative effects in their work?

As we move closer to a world driven by AI, where people can simply type in what they want and generate an image, I believe there’s something special about maintaining the human touch. Creating a vision in-camera, in real life, carries an authenticity that can’t be replicated. Pushing boundaries through hands-on experimentation and artistic exploration makes the process and the result all the more meaningful.

Do you have any exciting projects coming up that the Lomography community should keep an eye out for?

I’ve released a tarot series focused on the Major Arcana, Mystical Creatures, available on my website. For this project, I worked primarily with Lomography film to create each archetype entirely in-camera. Now, I’m expanding the series to include the Minor Arcana and look forward to sharing the next series!

In addition to that, I’m continuing to showcase my work in exhibitions. I’m also excited to collaborate with new artists and explore new destinations with my cameras.

Is there anything else you’d like to share?

Make sure to follow me on social media to stay updated on all the projects and events I’m working on! Let’s stay connected and continue sharing our art!

Thank you Angela for coming back to chat with Lomography Magazine! Keep up with Angela's work on Instagram.

Shop the Petzval Lens Angela uses on our online shop.

written by chloefuller on 2025-03-26 #gear #people #experimental #portrait #bokeh #petzval-art-lens Share Article